when should i introduce my new fish to my tank?

[Oliver Matthew]

i have a new tropical fish tank and i set it up 2 days ago , the water temperature is fine and the water level ect ect,,,do i need to let my tank develop anymore is it too early to put them in? is my tank mature enought yet? or can i put them in today? thanks guys

 

[Tom Marshall]

3 days minimum ideally a week, also don't introduce large amounts of fish at once put them in over a period of time.

 

[Nick]

Yea I'd say it's about right. But I let my tank sit for like a week or so. You'll want to start off with one fish though (a hardy fish). That way you can start the *nitrogen cycle*. Google it. Before you buy any pet you should do lots of research as well. Then after 1 week you'll want to add another one. Someone said somewhere you can add 2-3 fish at a time. I'm not sure about that though

 

[almostlikeafairytale]

for all of my fish tanks, the minimum amount of time that ive let my tank cycle was three days, that gave it just enough time to cycle, but that was only in the case of an emergency. If it is not an emergency, i recommend about a week. Hope this helps.

 

[Lisa Morse]

The tank will not start to "mature" until you have a source of ammonia in the tank. Then the process called the nitrogen cycle will start. here's what you need to do.

1) Add a source of ammonia (pure ammonia is best, but fishfood also works) until you get a reading of 5 for ammonia (you'll need a liquid test kit to measure it).
2) Keep doing this every day. Eventually, ammonia levels will start to go down no matter how much you add and you'll see a rise in nitrites. Keep adding ammonia for them to feed on.
3) Eventually, the nitrites will go down and nitrates will appear.
4) When you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites and 40ish nitrates, do a 40% water change, then you are ready for fish.

This process is really important. It basically puts nitrifying bacteria into your filter. These, in essence, eat ammonia and poop it back out as less harmful nitrates. It is best to do this without fish in the tank as the high levels of ammonia and nitrites during the process will harm the fish. Hardy ones may survive, but it isn't good for them.
The process will take about six weeks. You can speed it up by getting gravel or filter media from a tank that is already established, or using lots of live plants. Yes, it is super boring, but during that time you can research your fish so you are totally prepared.

Remember, the process will not begin until you add an ammonia source. Good luck and please email me if you have any questions.